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Home » Shop » 1981 KEN SMITH BT4 STRING BASS – FROM THE FODERA ERA – 1 OF THE FIRST 100 EVER MADE

1981 KEN SMITH BT4 STRING BASS – FROM THE FODERA ERA – 1 OF THE FIRST 100 EVER MADE

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1999 US Martin BC15-E Acoustic Bass with original hard case
1999 US Martin BC15-E Acoustic Bass with original hard case $2,500.00

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Ken Smith
Highlights:

Vintage 1981 Ken Smith BT4 – True “Fodera Era” Build w/ Medallion & Bill Lawrence

This is not just a Ken Smith bass, it is a foundational document of the modern electric bass. This BT4 (Body Top) model from 1981 bears the extraordinarily low Serial #074, placing it among the very first instruments ever produced by Ken Smith.

The Fodera / New York Luthiery Connection

This bass was handcrafted during the crucial period when legendary luthier Vinnie Fodera worked directly with Ken Smith in New York.

To own this BT4 #074 is like to acquire the heritage and craftsmanship of the “Genesis” of boutique basses.

It features the coveted metal medallion on the headstock, the definitive mark of early production excellence.

If you are looking for that thick, percussive “growl” that catapulted Ken Smith to global fame, this is it.

The combination of early-80s woods and original Bill Lawrence pickups produces an aggressive, punchy tone that is dominant on stage and crystal clear in the studio.

Note on Electronics:

The original HAZ preamp received professional maintenance a few years ago and is in perfect working order, delivering the signature high-fidelity Smith sound without issues.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Model: BT4 (Body Top)

Year: 1981

Serial Number: #074 (Extreme rarity)

Pickups: Original Bill Lawrence active pickups.

Bridge: Badass II high-mass bridge for legendary sustain.

Tuners: Original Schaller factory tuners.

Electronics: Original HAZ preamp (Maintained & Fully Functional).

Case: Includes a Hiscox hardcase.

As expected from a 45 year old instrument, it features a beautiful natural “relic” patina and has been used but not abused.

Nearly 100% original (woods, pickups, bridge, and neck).

As is common with vintage Smiths, one switch has been replaced to ensure reliable performance.

Playability: Straight neck, functional truss rod, and comfortable low action.

Category: Brands:
Additional information
Condition

Good
Brand

ken smith
Model

BT4
Finish

natural
Categories

Active Electronics
Made In

usa
Right / Left Handed

Right Handed
Fretboard Material

Brazilian Rosewood
Pickup System

active
Neck Material

Maple
Body Material

maple
Pickup Configuration

HH
Number of Strings

4-String
Year

1981

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1981 KEN SMITH BT4 STRING BASS – FROM THE FODERA ERA – 1 OF THE FIRST 100 EVER MADE

Highlights:

Vintage 1981 Ken Smith BT4 – True “Fodera Era” Build w/ Medallion & Bill Lawrence

This is not just a Ken Smith bass, it is a foundational document of the modern electric bass. This BT4 (Body Top) model from 1981 bears the extraordinarily low Serial #074, placing it among the very first instruments ever produced by Ken Smith.

The Fodera / New York Luthiery Connection

This bass was handcrafted during the crucial period when legendary luthier Vinnie Fodera worked directly with Ken Smith in New York.

To own this BT4 #074 is like to acquire the heritage and craftsmanship of the “Genesis” of boutique basses.

It features the coveted metal medallion on the headstock, the definitive mark of early production excellence.

If you are looking for that thick, percussive “growl” that catapulted Ken Smith to global fame, this is it.

The combination of early-80s woods and original Bill Lawrence pickups produces an aggressive, punchy tone that is dominant on stage and crystal clear in the studio.

Note on Electronics:

The original HAZ preamp received professional maintenance a few years ago and is in perfect working order, delivering the signature high-fidelity Smith sound without issues.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Model: BT4 (Body Top)

Year: 1981

Serial Number: #074 (Extreme rarity)

Pickups: Original Bill Lawrence active pickups.

Bridge: Badass II high-mass bridge for legendary sustain.

Tuners: Original Schaller factory tuners.

Electronics: Original HAZ preamp (Maintained & Fully Functional).

Case: Includes a Hiscox hardcase.

As expected from a 45 year old instrument, it features a beautiful natural “relic” patina and has been used but not abused.

Nearly 100% original (woods, pickups, bridge, and neck).

As is common with vintage Smiths, one switch has been replaced to ensure reliable performance.

Playability: Straight neck, functional truss rod, and comfortable low action.

$18,500.00
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New
Quick View
,

1999 US Martin BC15-E Acoustic Bass with original hard case

Highlights:

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Produced from 1999 to 2009, making it a vintage find on the used market.

Fewer than 1200 total of this model were manufactured

Built with a satin-finish solid mahogany top, back, and sides, complemented by a herringbone rosette.

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1981 KEN SMITH BT4 STRING BASS - FROM THE FODERA ERA - 1 OF THE FIRST 100 EVER MADE
1981 KEN SMITH BT4 STRING BASS – FROM THE FODERA ERA – 1 OF THE FIRST 100 EVER MADE
$18,500.00 Add to cart